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On my honor, I will do my best…you see a student you don’t know getting shoved into a row of lockers by another student as they pass them by on your way to class. To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law…in the lunchroom the same group of kids pick on a few others cursing at them and degrading them.To help other people at all times… you are on your way to the library and see a student sitting in the hall by themselves crying.To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight… you learn that your friend doesn’t want to go to school because they are afraid.

A Scout is trustworthy…you overhear a classmate being bullied by another classmate and the bully tells you to mind your own business. Loyal, helpful…someone gets knocked down in the hallway and everyone else is walking by ignoring them. Friendly, courteous, kind…you notice the same student always sitting alone. Obedient, cheerful, brave…you see a group text through social media and see negative messages and pictures of people you recognize. Clean and reverent...a single act of courage and compassion.

Mrs. Lipman’s interview on the subject of bullying is especially important as we prepare for the start of a new school year. The Douglas County School District website has a page dedicated to Bully Prevention with helpful information and resources.

“Studies show that people who are?abused?by their peers are at risk for?mental health problems, such as low?self-esteem,?stress,?depression, or?anxiety. They may also think about?suicide?more. Bullies are at risk for problems, too. Bullying is?violence, and it often leads to more violent behavior as the bully grows up.” Dealing With Bullying – Kids Health. http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bullies.html

A benefit of being a scout is the knowledge, training and additional education we receive through our meetings, activities, earning merit badges and campouts. These activities are helpful in learning how to be prepared when we are outdoors and they teach empathy and leadership. This training can also help us learn how to watch out for and to take proper actions when we see or hear a situation that involves bullying no matter where we are.

Bullying is not a harmless or necessary part of growing up. Bullying affects self-confidence, relationships and education long after the incident occurs. Knowing you could have done something by including others, asking if someone needs help, walking with someone to the counseling office, or talking to someone who is safe including teachers and a parent to let them know about an issue that should be addressed is brave and responsible.